What about the French nuclear shield for Europe? Proposal of the German chancellor
This is a time of demonstrative gestures. At 12:14 Friedrich Merz drives to the Elyseed Palace with a black Mercedes with the Berlin registration. He has already talked to Emmanuel Macron many times, but today he meets the President of France as a German chancellor for the first time.
Merz gets out. Macron smiles at him, but waits for the German to put on a jacket. Then he embraces Merza and dick him on the back twice. So loud that reporters standing at a distance of about 20 m.
This inaugural visit is aimed at sending a signal. German-French relations during the term of the predecessor of Merz, Olaf Scholz, to put it mildly, did not go well. Merz wants a new beginning and in recent months he talked to Macron many times. He strives for “good personal relations”, as he explained during a short, improvised press conference on his way to Paris.
Unlike his predecessor, Merz surpasses Macron by two heads. Perhaps that is why Macron always goes two steps in front of him, leading him up the stairs to his government headquarters.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) and President of France Emmanuel Macron at a joint press conference at the Elyseed Palace in Paris, France, May 7, 2025.
French nuclear shield over Europe
Rarely, the new German chancellor raised such expectations in Paris. After the victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election in the USA, an aggressive speech by his deputy JD Vance during a security conference in Munich and humiliation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelnski in an oval office, many people in Germany and France ask themselves whether you can still rely on the protection of Americans. In this context, Merz called for a debate on the French nuclear shield. His predecessor has always avoided this topic, so that even the thought that Europe could do without the USA.
Now, in Paris, Merz touches on this topic only after the question and speaks more carefully: “Maintaining the atomic shield over Europe is a matter that cannot be separated from the current defense strategy within the NATO alliance.” The participation of Germany in the nuclear program is “provided by the Americans”. Further issues can be discussed, but only “additionally”. Specifically, the discussion is to be held in the “3 plus 3” format: both heads of government together with foreign ministers and defense ministers. However – Merz repeats to emphasize: “This is by no means a substitute for what the United States currently provides in the field of European security.”
During a joint press conference, Macron first talks about “French-German reflex”, which should be seen at all levels, and above all in matters of “sovereignty, safety and competitiveness”. Similar words, however, were also said after his meetings with Scholz. The president praises the decision of the new CDU/CSU and SPD coalition on the allocation of much greater defense as “historical”. Together with Germany, you want to develop joint defense systems. Europe wants to develop innovations and limit bureaucracy together.
Finally, Macron touches on the subject of migration. This is interesting because Merza's government announced that he would send migrants – including people applying for asylum – back to the borders. The President of France does not relate to this directly, but he says: “We want to have an effective migration system. We want to harmonize it with Germany and we want to achieve it within the European, well -functioning Schengen zone.” With a bit of good will, this can be interpreted as a call to an agreement – against unilateral activities. Macron clearly states: “We wanted to strengthen and protect our boundaries. This is the goal we share.”
“Solid safety guarantees” for Ukraine
Merz emphasizes on his part a “personal bond”, which already connects him with Macron: “French-German friendship is a gift. A gift of forgiveness and reconciliation.” The “French-German new start for Europe” was agreed. For this purpose, new formats will also be created. Macron has already mentioned the French-German Council of Ministers, which is to take place in the summer.
During his first press conference at the international arena, Merz also raises the issue of peace negotiations on the Russian war in Ukraine: “President Trump has our full support when it comes to the end of the war and stopping killing in Ukraine. As soon as the weapon suspension is concluded, we are ready to participate in its monitoring under the leadership of the United States. “
He also announced: “In addition, together with our partners, we will give Ukraine solid security guarantees and, together with our partners, make sure that Ukraine can defend itself against any further aggression, both today and in the future.” The decision to end the war lies in the hands of Moscow.
At the same time, the German Chancellor emphasizes: “Until there is a permanent suspension of weapons with Russia, we cannot provide any information about the scope of security guarantee that we will give Ukraine.” From a German point of view, “it is important that the United States of America remain involved in this process, as well as in later security guarantees for Ukraine.”
